There is still no ultimate understanding of what light is. One physical model treats light as a wave: From the refractivity of light in a prism, it can be deduced that white light consists of differently coloured light-waves with different wavelengths. Albert Einstein proved that light also has the characteristic of "tangible" particles (photons). Our retina is extraordinarily sensitive; it even reacts if it is met by five photons in a very short timespan. A 2-Watt-torch radiates about five trillion photons in one second. But we can also perceive maximum brightness like the sun. Our eyes can differentiate between 500 stages of brightness and several million colour gradations.

 

Not only is light the pre-requisite for our visual perception of the world, but life on earth would be inconceivable without light. Children at early kindergarten age take a good look at colours, notice shade, without understanding it at first, dare to stay in the dark when they are building huts. A fundamental understanding of optical principles can help to de-mystify incomprehensible perceptions and scary situations (darkness). At the same time it is also the pre-requisite for the exploration of audiovisual media such as the camera, the slide-projector and the video camera.

 

The following sequence first deals with the dualism between light and darkness, then examines the phenomenon of light reflections and then turns to the examination of light and shade and the topic "light and colours". It is possible to present the scientific contents by a story (see activity 6).

As regards their range and topics, most of the units are structured in such a way that also young children in kindergarten can participate and that the experiments can be repeated and varied in free play. Only the shadow play and building of a kaleidoscope would be too much for three-year-old children. The “Kinderhäuschen” team integrated these activities into a summer party, so that younger children could be supported by their parents.

 

 

 

 

Activity 1: Light and Darkness: Experimenting with Light and Darkness

Activity 2: Light and Darkness: Catching Light

Activity 3: Light and Light Reflection: Observing and Re-directing Rays of Light

Activity 4: Light and Light Reflection: Sources of Light and Reflectors

Activity 5: Light and Light Reflection: Building a Kaleidoscope

Activity 6: Light and Shade: Shadow Experiments

Activity 7: Light and Shade: Shadow Play with Cardboard Figures

Activity 8: Light and Colours: Experiencing the Colour-light-room

Activity 9: Light and Colours: Experiments with the Prism

Activity 10: Light and Colours: Paper Chromatography

Activity 11: Light and Colours: Experiments with Colour Filters and Making Coloured Eyeglasses

Activity 12: Light and Colours: Making a Coloured Spinning Top

 

Download Activity-Set: Light